Fall signals the beginning of cold weather. Here are some tips on how to layer a look for fall to keep you stylishly warm.

Pull off a masterfully layered look with these tips.

Dressing for fall is all about layering. The way cold temperatures start amping up in October, you’ll need more than just a cropped T-shirt and jeans for your outfit. Though this is a great base for a layered fall look, you’ll need to add at least one (or more likely two) pieces of outerwear to keep you warm. 

Many of us will make the mistake of throwing on all our favorite fall pieces at once, but the key to a chic layered look is being intentional with your choices. You want every layer in your ensemble to seamlessly blend into the next to avoid an overly bulky or disjointed appearance. To balance your look, personal stylist Allie McKenna says you need to “start with the smallest layer first and then move progressively chunkier.”

Layering can be a fine science that’s difficult to master, but luckily, we talked to some experts about the best ways to layer pieces for fall. Ahead, find our top tips for how to style a fall outfit that’s both stylish and cozy.

Balance Your Layers

When it comes to layered outfits, you always want to break them down into three layers: base, middle, and top. As we mentioned above, it’s best to move from light to bulky with each layer to build an ensemble that seamlessly flows together. 

For a base layer, choose a lightweight piece as your foundation. McKenna recommends garments that have a tight silhouette, such as a fitted T-shirt or a turtleneck. You can also take this opportunity to utilize the classic pieces in your closet, says Diana LoMonaco, the founder and CEO of Classic Six. The combination of a pair of jeans and a white tee will give you the perfect blank canvas to play with your outerwear. 

Then, use the middle layer for your relaxed outerwear—think blazers, cardigans, thin sweaters, or flannels. The top layer will be reserved for your bulkiest pieces to add extra warmth for those especially cold days. McKenna recommends reaching for “a long sleeve sweater draped over your shoulders or adorn a bomber jacket or oversize denim jacket.” 

Whichever pieces you choose for your top two layers, LoMonaco suggests checking the fit of your garments to make sure they don’t appear bulky. “If going with a white shirt, sweater, and blazer, make sure the sweater fits nicely under the blazer and can also work when you take the blazer off,” she explains.

Essential Layering Pieces

Though the best part about layering is choosing pieces that speak to your style, there are a few essential items you should keep stocked in your wardrobe. LoMonaco says white button-down shirts, blazers, and an everyday sweater are must-haves for fall. “Even if not all worn together, a sweater is a great piece to always bring along, even if you merely wear it around your shoulders to feel cozy,” she says. 

However, if you’re looking to freshen up your fall wardrobe, you can also reach for on-trend pieces that will last beyond the current fashion cycle. McKenna suggests “a cropped trench coat, dark denim jacket, suede jacket, and tweed sweater jacket with large jeweled buttons” for a layered fall look with a bold twist.

How to Accessorize Your Layers

Accessories are a vital part of fall layering, as they provide the perfect opportunity to add some fun elements to your look. LoMonaco says scarves in every fabric, from silk to wool, are her go-to accessory for fall. “Wear around your head, hair, on your neck, on your handbag. The use is endless, and it serves not only function but style as well,” she explains. “Such a great way to also infuse some color into fall looks.” 

Another simple way to make your look unique? Reach for bold footwear. “Think colored snakeskin, animal print, or even floral,” says LoMonaco. “I love going with a full classic look and then adding that pop of surprise in my shoes and accessories.”

While eye-catching accessories can transform an outfit, McKenna recommends using your ensemble to inform your choices. “If your intention is to look chic, be mindful of how chunky your layers are to ensure your look is balanced,” she says. “For example, if you’re pairing a chunky scarf with an oversized jacket, keep your accessories more simple.”

How to Repurpose Your Summer Garments

Transitioning into fall doesn’t necessarily mean you have to toss all your summer pieces to the back of the closet. Layering is a great way to repurpose your garments for all seasons to give you more use out of your entire wardrobe. “You have a tank you love? Layer a white button-down underneath. An ivory blazer? Layer it up with a sweater and scarf,” says LoMonaco. “The best foundational pieces in your wardrobe are the ones you can wear all year long!”

Though not every piece will be salvageable for fall, you can pull pieces that have a darker color palette. McKenna says she will “find the darkest tone in a summer dress and pair that with a sweater or jacket.” However, she says the real key to transforming a summer look is “adding in other fall items,” such as boots or a vest.

The Best Colors and Textures for Layering

Speaking of color palettes, there are so many options for a chic fall look. LoMonaco says she loves to stick to a monochromatic scheme when it comes to layering. “A white base always works, but monochromatic layers add that quality that screams luxury,” she explains. “Think a great taupe sweater and matching slip skirt with a taupe pair of boots.”

McKenna, on the other hand, recommends going for a mix of traditional fall hues. “Dark jewel tones are always acceptable layering pieces,” she explains. “Something to remember when layering is to ensure you’re matching either warm or cool tones in the layers.” She says some foolproof color combinations for fall are navy blue with shades of brown, black, and tan, or wine and maroon. 

Another way to elevate your ensemble is to play with patterns and textures. In our book, leopard print can be considered neutral and is the perfect print for a layered fall look. McKenna explains if you’re wearing leopard print jeans, then “add a white T-shirt, a black cardigan, and a dark oversized denim jacket paired with ballet flats” to balance the look. This way, she says, “the leopard print is the focus of this look, but it doesn’t overpower.” 

As for adding textures, you want to strike the right balance between bold and not too busy. “Wearing two of the same textures may often require the colors to be an exact match, but wearing different textures together is such an easy way to add interest to your look because you can have some fun with it,” explains LoMonaco. “A boucle textured jacket with a crisp cotton shirt. A textured waffle knit sweater with a woven blazer. You really can't go wrong.”